Modular wearable electronic devices, systems, and methods

ABSTRACT

A modular, wearable electronic system is disclosed. The modular, wearable electronic system can include an eyewear unit which can be worn on a user&#39;s head and one or more modular units which can removably couple with the eyewear unit via one or more ports and/or connectors. The eyewear unit and the modular unit can communicate with each other via the port or connector to which the eyewear unit and the modular unit are coupled. The modular units can supplement the functionality of the eyewear unit.

BACKGROUND Field

The embodiments described herein relate generally to wearable electroniccommunication devices, systems, and methods. In particular, someembodiments described herein relate to wearable electronic communicationdevices and systems that can be placed on a user's head, such aseyewear.

Background

There are numerous situations in which it is convenient and preferableto include electronic communication features and functionality ondevices and systems worn on a user's body, such as on a wearer's head.Many such devices and systems can convey signals to and receive signalsfrom the user in a hands-free manner. As a result, the user can receiveand/or send signals, such as audio and/or visual signals, in aconvenient manner while focusing on other tasks.

However, advances and improvements in devices and systems withelectronic communication features have been occurring at an extremelyrapid pace. For example, processors have become more powerful andefficient, larger amounts of memory can be stored in a smaller space,new communication protocols have been developed which can providesignificant advantages over older communication protocols, etc. As aresult, older devices and systems can quickly become incompatible orantiquated within a short span of time, thereby requiring a user topurchase newer devices and systems on a frequent basis to remainup-to-date with respect to hardware and programs. This can present aproblem to many users since such devices and systems may requireelaborate and expensive components and systems to enable highlysophisticated functional communication features. Moreover, users areoften interested in only a subset of new or enhanced features andfunctionality.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for improved wearable electroniccommunication devices and systems. The electronic device or system canbe provided with removably attachable interchangeable components, suchas modular units, to supplement the capabilities of another component,such as a base unit including, but not limited to, a headworn wearableunit. The headworn wearable unit can be, for example, an eyewear such asan eyeglass frame or a goggle frame, either with or without lenses. Theheadworn wearable unit can be, as another example, a helmet. Theelectronic device or system can be contained in a housing that can beassociated within a personal area network range of the wearer.

In some embodiments, an electronic system is provided with removablyattachable interchangeable components, such as modular units, tosupplement the capabilities of another component, such as an eyewearunit. The eyewear unit can include one or more components containedtherein. For example, the eyewear unit can include a processor andmemory for processing and storing data. The eyewear unit can include oneor more sensors to obtain sensory data related to the environment, theuser, and/or motion of the eyewear unit. To communicate with otherdevices, the eyewear unit can include components such as a receiver andtransmitter (or transceiver) to enable wireless communication with otherdevices and/or a port or connector for wired communication with otherdevices. For example, a modular unit can be removably coupled to theeyewear unit via the port or connector. The modular unit can includecomponents such as, but not limited to, a speaker and an ambient orbiometric sensor. The modular unit can include other features tosupplement the capabilities of the eyewear unit.

In some embodiments, an electronic system can include an eyewear unitconfigured to be worn on a user's head. The eyewear unit can include aninput/output system which includes at least one wired connection, suchas a port and/or connector. The electronic system can include a modularunit. The modular unit can include an input/output system which includesat least one wired connection, such as a port and/or connector. Themodular unit can also include at least one of the following components:a processor, a memory, a sensor, a receiver configured to wirelesslycommunicate with at least one remote unit, a transmitter configured towirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit, and a transceiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit. Theinput/output systems of the eyewear unit and the modular unit canprovide a wired electrical connection between the eyewear unit and themodular unit when in a coupled configuration via the at least one wiredconnection the eyewear unit and the at least one wired connection of themodular unit.

In some embodiments, an electronic system can include an eyewear unitconfigured to be worn on a user's head. The eyewear unit can include aninput/output system including at least one wired connection, such as aport and/or connector. The electronic system can also include modularunit. The modular unit can include an input/output system including atleast one wired connection, such as a port and/or connector, configuredto removably couple to the at least one wired connection of the eyewearunit. The at least one wired connection of the eyewear unit and the atleast one wired connection of the modular unit can provide a wiredelectrical connection between the eyewear unit and the modular unit whenin a coupled configuration. The input/output systems and the eyewearunit and the modular unit can provide communication (e.g., the eyewearunit can transfer data to the modular unit and the modular unit cantransfer data to the eyewear unit) between the eyewear unit and themodular unit via the coupled wired connections of the eyewear unit andthe modular unit.

In some embodiments, the modular unit can include a second wiredconnection, wherein at least the second wired connection is configuredto connect the modular unit to another modular unit. The input/outputsystem of the modular unit can be configured to provide communicationbetween the eyewear unit and the second unit modular unit (e.g., theeyewear unit can transfer data to the second modular unit and the secondmodular unit can transfer data to the eyewear unit). In someembodiments, the eyewear unit can include a power source configured topower the modular unit. The power source can provide power to the secondmodular unit via the coupled port and connector of the eyewear and themodular unit.

In some embodiments, an electronic system can include an eyewear unitand/or one or more modular units which are mechanically attached toand/or carried by the eyewear unit. The eyewear unit and/or modular unitcan serve as the central hub or node for multiple source devices in theform of remote units which are not carried by the eyewear unit (e.g.,rather than a smart phone or some other mobile electronic device servingas the central hub or node).

In some embodiments, the modular unit can include an input/outputsystem. The input/output system can include a receiver and a transmitterconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit. Insome embodiments, the at least one remote unit can include a sensor. Insome embodiments, the at least one remote unit can include a smartphone.

In some embodiments, the modular unit can be configured to be attachedto the eyewear unit proximate the user's head. In some embodiments, thereceiver of the modular unit can include two or more wireless protocols,for example Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart), ANT,ANT+, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, MMS, similar protocols, and otherprotocols which may be developed. A receiver of any eyewear unit mayinclude one or more of these protocols. In some embodiments, the eyewearunit and/or modular unit can communicate with a remote unit having afirst wireless protocol and a remote unit having a second wirelessprotocol. In some embodiments, an electronic system can include aneyewear unit, a modular unit, and an input/output system. The eyewearunit can be worn on a user's head and can include at least one port orconnector. The modular unit can include a connector and/or a port, theconnector and/or the port being configured to removably couple to thecomplimentary port or connector of the eyewear unit. The coupled portand connector of the eyewear and the modular unit can be configured toprovide a wired electrical connection between the eyewear unit and themodular unit. The input/out system can be configured to providecommunication between the eyewear unit and the modular unit via thecoupled port and connector of the eyewear and the modular unit (e.g.,the eyewear unit can transfer data to the modular unit and the modularunit can transfer data to the eyewear unit).

In some embodiments, the eyewear unit can include at least one of thefollowing components: a processor, a memory, a sensor, a receiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit, anda transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with at least oneremote unit. In some embodiments, the modular unit can include at leastone of the following components: a processor, a memory, a sensor, areceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remoteunit, and a transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with atleast one remote unit.

In some embodiments, the eyewear unit can include a processor and themodular unit can include a receiver and a transmitter. In someembodiments, the eyewear unit can include a processor and the modularunit can include a bone-conduction speaker. One or more source devices,such as a modular unit or a remote unit, can be devices for generating asignal indicative of any one or more of environmental information,biometric information, entertainment, and/or other information,including, but not limited to, an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximitysensor, temperature, humidity, altitude, barometric pressure, GPS, windsensor, music, video, text-to-voice capabilities, and/or interpersonalcommunication. Source devices can also capture biometric data fortransmission to the electronic device, such as body temperature, bloodpressure, respiration characteristics including, but not limited to,rate and tidal volume, blood or respiration CO2, pO2, lactic acid, heartrate, and dermal moisture. The output from any of the foregoing sourcedevices can be transmitted to the wearer via visual display, audiooutput, haptic feedback, or a combination of these transmissionmechanisms, depending upon the nature of the data and desired displayformat.

The source devices can be unique, discrete, single function devices ordevices that can sense or determine two or three or more parameters in asingle device. In some embodiments, one or two or three or more sourcedevices can be removably mechanically attached to and/or carried by theelectronic device or system, while one or more other source devices maybe worn by the wearer or equipment (e.g., bicycle, treadmill, or otherequipment) and associated with the wearer within a personal area networkrange so that they may be paired in communication with the electronicdevice or system.

In some embodiments, the electronic device or system comprises aneyeglass or goggle or helmet support structure, having onboardelectronics such as a power source, CPU, transceiver for pairing withany Bluetooth, ANT, ANT+, or other wireless protocol source device, oneor two or more electrical and/or mechanical ports or connectors, such asUSB 3.0 ports or connectors, for removably receiving a complementarymodule having additional electronics.

In some embodiments, an electronic system is provided with one or two ormore tactile feedback elements such as a haptic component. The systemcan include an eyewear unit wearable on a user's head with one or morecomponents contained therein. For example, the eyewear unit can includea processor, memory, one or more sensors, and/or communicationcomponents such as a receiver, transmitter and/or port. The eyewear unitcan include a haptic component designed to generate a tactile signalperceptible by the user.

In some embodiments, an electronic system can include an eyewear unitconfigured to be worn on a user's head. The eyewear unit can include atleast one of a processor, a memory, a sensor, a receiver configured towirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit, a transmitterconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit, anda wired connection. The eyewear unit can also include at least onehaptic component configured to generate a tactile signal perceptible bythe user.

In some embodiments, the at least one haptic component can include apiezoelectric actuator. In some embodiments, the at least one hapticcomponent can provide a user with a tactile representation of datareceived from a sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one hapticcomponent can provide a user with notifications of a trigger event. Insome embodiments, the at least one haptic component can include two ormore haptic components positioned on different regions of the eyewearunit. In some embodiments, the at least one haptic component can includea first haptic component positioned on a lateral region of the eyewearunit and a second haptic component positioned on an opposite lateralregion of the eyewear unit. In some embodiments, the at least one hapticcomponent can provide a user with navigation information. In someembodiments, a haptic component can be added to an existing eyewear unitvia a modular unit and/or a remote unit.

In some embodiments, the system can include a visual componentconfigured to display an image to the user. In some embodiments, thesystem can include an audio component configured to generate an audiblesignal perceptible by the user. In some embodiments, the system caninclude a haptic component configured to generate a tactile signalperceptible by the user. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit caninclude a sensor and the at least one haptic component can be configuredto provide a user with a tactile representation of data received fromthe sensor. In some embodiments, one or more of these components can bebuilt into an existing eyewear unit. In some embodiments, one or more ofthese components can be added to an existing eyewear unit via a modularunit and/or a remote unit.

In some embodiments, the system can include one or more movableantennas. The movable antennas can transition from a first, stowedconfiguration to a second, deployed configuration. In some embodiments,an eyewear unit of the system can include one or more movable antennas.In some embodiments, a modular unit of the system can include one ormore movable antennas. The movable antenna can be rotatable and/ortranslatable. In some embodiments, at least one of the movable antennasis rotatable. In some embodiments, the movable antenna can be rotatablealong a generally vertical or a generally horizontal axis of rotation.In some embodiments, the movable antenna can be translatable. In someembodiments, in the deployed configuration, the movable antenna can bepositioned such that a distance between a user and the antenna isbetween one-third to two-thirds a length of the antenna.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several examples of embodiments in accordancewith the disclosure, and are not to be considered limiting of its scope,the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of an electronic deviceor system in communication with a remote unit, the system having aneyewear unit and a modular unit.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of electronics used in conjunction witha display device for providing retinal projection of an image onto theretina of a user.

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of an electronic deviceor system in communication with multiple remote units, the system havingan eyewear unit and a modular unit.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of the modular unit ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of another embodiment of an electronicdevice or system in communication with multiple remote units, the systemhaving an eyewear unit and a modular unit.

FIG. 5A illustrates a left side view of an embodiment of an electronicdevice or system having an eyewear unit with an input/output system.

FIG. 5B illustrates a left side view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit with an input/outputsystem.

FIG. 5C illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit with an input/outputsystem.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of an electronicdevice or system having an eyewear unit and a modular unit, the modularunit being removably attachable with other peripherals.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular unithaving a pitot tube.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular unithaving a biometric sensor.

FIG. 9A illustrates a schematic view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit and a plurality ofmodular units in an attached configuration.

FIG. 9B illustrates a schematic view of the device or system of FIG. 9Ain a detached configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a left side view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit and modular unit, themodular unit forming part of an earstem.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit and modular unit.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of another embodiment of anelectronic device or system having an eyewear unit and modular unit.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top view of a schematic of an embodiment of aframe of an eyewear unit.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front perspective view of the schematic of theframe of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C illustrates a front view of the schematic of the frame of FIG.13A.

FIG. 13D illustrates a left side view of the schematic of the frame ofFIG. 13A.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an antenna attachedto an earstem.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the antenna of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present specification and drawings provide aspects and features ofelectronic devices or systems, such as a wearable device or system inthe context of several embodiments of devices and methods. The wearabledevice or system can be a network or communication device or system.These embodiments are described and illustrated in connection withspecific types of eyewear such as eyewear having a unitary lens.However, it is to be understood that the features and concepts discussedherein, such as integrated components, modular components, communicationfeatures, and communication functionality, can be applied to other typesof headworn wearable devices and systems including, but not limited to,eyewear and helmets. Such eyewear can include eyeglasses and goggleshaving dual lens, a single lens, or no lens. Moreover, the electronicdevices and systems can be attached to a proximate structure relevant tothe intended use environment, such as, but not limited to, a bicyclehandlebar or other portion of a bicycle. In addition, particularfeatures of the devices, systems, and methods should not be taken aslimiting, and features of any one embodiment discussed herein can becombined with features of other embodiments as desired and whenappropriate. Any feature, step, material, or structure described and/orillustrated in any embodiment can be used with or instead of any otherfeature, step, material, or structure described and/or illustrated inany other embodiment. Anything in this specification can be omitted insome embodiments; no features described or illustrated in thisspecification are essential or indispensable.

General System

With reference first to the embodiment of the electronic device orsystem 100, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device orsystem can be a network or communication device or system. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 can be designed to obtain,process, and/or convey data to and/or from a user of the system 100. Asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 can include aheadworn wearable unit, such as an eyewear unit 110, with one or moresystems such as a processing system 120, a signal conversion system 130,a sensor system 140 (ambient or environmental, motion, biometric, and/orphysiological), an input/output (I/O) system 150, a user interfacesystem 160, and a power system 170. The system 100 can also include oneor more modular units 210 which can be removably coupled to the eyewearunit 110. In some embodiments, one or more of the modular units 210 canfunction as source devices and provide signal sources for the system100. In some embodiments, the one or more modular units 210 can beremovably coupled to and/or carried by the eyewear unit 110. This canadvantageously provide a more compact and combined form factor for theuser and reduce the number of detached components. This can bebeneficial when the user does not have sufficient storage or carryingspace, such as pockets, to hold detached components.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the modular units 210can include one or more systems. For example, the modular units 210 caninclude one or more systems such as a processing system 220, a signalconversion system 230, a sensor system 240, an input/output (I/O) system250, a user interface system 260 and a power system 270. As discussed infurther detail below, processing system 220, signal conversion system230, sensor system 240, input/output (I/O) system 250, user interfacesystem 260 and/or power system 270 can include the same or similarcomponents to those discussed in connection with processing system 120,signal conversion system 130, sensor system 140, input/output (I/O)system 150, user interface system 160, and/or power system 170.

Each system can be in communication, wired and/or wirelessly, with oneor more other systems. In some embodiments, some or all communicationsbetween systems can be two-way communication such that a first systemmay transmit data to and receive data from a second system. For example,two-way communications may be established between the processing system120 and the signal conversion system 130. The processing system 120 maytransmit data to a speaker of the signal conversion system 130 andreceive data from a microphone of the signal conversion system 130. Insome embodiments, some or all communications between systems can beone-way communications such that a first system may transfer data to asecond system whereas the second system does not transfer data to thefirst system. For example, the user interface system 160 may transmitdata to the processing system 120 and the processing system 120 may nottransmit data to the user interface system 160. It should be understoodthat one or two-way communication can be maintained between any systemsdescribed herein. Moreover, it should be understood that, when taken inits entirety, multiple systems can be in communication to each other viaother system. For example, the sensor system 140 can be in communicationwith the signal conversion system 130 via intermediary communicationswith the processing system 120.

As another example, wired and/or wireless two-way communications may beestablished between the eyewear unit 110 and one or more modular units210, such as via input/output systems 150, 250. The eyewear unit 110 maytransmit data to one or more modular units 210 and receive data from oneor more modular units 210. In some embodiments, some or allcommunications between the eyewear unit 110 and one or more modularunits 210 can be one-way communications such that the eyewear unit 110may transfer data to one or more modular units 210 whereas one or moremodular units 210 does not transfer data to the eyewear unit 110 orvice-versa. It should be understood that one or two-way communicationcan be maintained between one or more modular units 210 and the eyewearunit 110. For example, two-way communications may exist between eyewearunit 110 and a first modular unit 210 whereas one-way communications mayexist between eyewear unit 110 and a second modular unit 210. Moreover,it should be understood that, when taken in its entirety, multiplesystems can be in communication to each other via other system. Forexample, a first modular unit 210 can communicate with a second modularunit 210 either directly via an input/output system 250 and/or throughthe eyewear unit 110 as an intermediary via input/output system 150.

The systems can be in communication via a wired connection and/or via awireless connection as illustrated by the solid connecting lines. One ormore systems, such as those for the eyewear unit 110 and the modularunit 210, can receive power from the power system 170 as shown by thedash-dot-dash lines. Of course, one or more systems, such as those forthe eyewear unit 110 and the modular unit 210, can receive power fromthe power system 270 either in addition to that received from the powersystem 170, or solely from the power system 270. Although the systemsare shown as communicating to each other through the processing system120, it should be understood that the systems may bypass the processingsystem 120 and communicate directly with each other.

In some embodiments, one or more systems of the eyewear unit 110 can beintegrated into or with a headworn wearable device, such as an eyewear.For example, one or more of the components of the systems of the eyewearunit 110 can be located on and/or within one or more components of theeyewear such as one or more of the earstems, frame, orbitals and/orlenses. In some embodiments, a plurality of components of the one ormore systems can be distributed to different components of the eyewearto help distribute volume and/or weight in the eyewear, therebyenhancing performance and user comfort when utilizing the eyewear withthe eyewear unit 110.

In some embodiments, the one or more modular units 210 can be positionedsuch that a majority of the modular unit 210 is positioned outside theeyewear unit 110. In some embodiments, the one or more modular units 210can be positioned such that a majority of the modular unit 210 is hiddenwithin a component of the eyewear, such as one or more of the earstems,frame, orbitals, and/or lenses.

The modular unit 210 can be a standalone device which can functionwithout being connected to eyewear unit 110 or any other electronicdevices. For example, the modular unit 210 can include a processingsystem 220, a sensor system 240, and a power system 270 and be capableof recording information even while disconnected from another device.When attached to the eyewear unit 110, the modular unit 210 can providethis data to the eyewear unit 110. In some embodiments, the modular unit210 can be a standalone device which provides timing functionality to aneyewear unit 110. When removed from the eyewear unit 110, the modularunit 210 can beneficially be used as a timing device (e.g., stopwatch,timer) in other settings. For example, such a modular unit 210 can beused at home, attached to another part of one's person such as a user'swrist, and/or attached to another structural component such as a bikehandle. Moreover, the modular unit 210 can supplement the capabilitiesof the eyewear unit 110 such as by supplementing an existing processingsystem 120, sensor system 140, and/or power system 170 of the eyewearunit 110 or, in embodiments of eyewear unit 110 without one or more ofthese systems, wholly adding new functionality to the eyewear unit 110.

The modular unit 210 may not be a standalone device. For example, themodular unit 210 may not include a power system 270 to provide power toelectronics contained within the modular unit 210. In some embodiments,the modular unit 210 can receive this power via connection to theeyewear unit 110 or another electronic device.

The eyewear unit 110 and/or the modular units 210 can be incommunication, wired and/or wirelessly, with a remote unit 310. As shownin the illustrated embodiment, the remote unit 310 can include one ormore systems such as a processing system 320, a signal conversion system330, a sensor system 340, an input/output (I/O) system 350, a userinterface system 360, and a power system 370. As discussed in furtherdetail below, processing system 320, signal conversion system 330,sensor system 340, input/output (I/O) system 350, user interface system360 and/or power system 370 can include the same or similar componentsto those discussed in connection with processing systems 120, 220,signal conversion systems 130, 230, sensor systems 140, 240,input/output (I/O) systems 150, 250, user interface systems 160, 260,and/or power systems 170, 270.

The remote unit 310 can be a standalone device or can be operationalonly when in communication with the system 100 such as the eyewear unit110 and/or the modular unit 210. Examples of remote units 310 caninclude one or more electronic devices such as, but not limited to,standalone devices such as cell phones, smart phones, watches, smartwatches, PDAs, tablets, laptops, desktops, game consoles, MP3 players,iPods, cameras, fitness or gym equipment, sensors, and the like. Forexample, the one or more electronic devices can include, bike computersand other on-board vehicle sensors or systems, activity trackers such asa Fitbit, and other wearable and smart devices such as an Apple iWatch,an Apple iPhone, Android-based phones, and other such devices.

In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 and/or one or more of themodular units 210 can receive data from the remote units 310 and presentor communicate this data to the user of the system 100. For example, theeyewear unit 110 and/or one or more of the modular units 210 can be usedto stream music from a remote unit 310, such as a smart phone or MP3player, and present that to the user. In some embodiments, the eyewearunit 110 and/or one of the modular units 210 can communicate with aremote unit 310, such as a smart phone or cell phone, such that the userof the communication unit 100 can use the eyewear unit 110 and/or one ofthe modular units 210 for a phone call and/or for sending text messages.In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 and/or one or more of themodular units 210 can communicate with multiple remote units 310

Use of a modular unit 210 with the eyewear unit 110 can advantageouslysupplement the features and functionality of the eyewear unit 110. Thiscan be particularly beneficial as it can allow a user to upgrade thedevice over time. In this manner, the usable lifespan of the eyewearunit 110 can be expanded thereby reducing waste and reducing total coststo the user who need not replace the eyewear unit 110 with a newerversion of the eyewear unit 110 if newer functionality is desired.Moreover, in circumstances where the desired functionality may changedepending on the activity being performed by the user, this system canbeneficially allow the user to more effectively configure the system 100depending on the activity.

In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit systems such as aprocessing system 120 and/or signal conversion system 130, which mightinclude components which are expensive to manufacture and are quicklyantiquated or rendered incompatible with other components by newdevelopments in technology. The user can then purchase one or moremodular units 210 to provide one or more of the upgraded, repaired, ormissing systems, or to provide improvements or enhancements to thesystem. For example, in some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omitthe wireless system 152 and the user can connect one or more modularunits 210 to provide an input/output system 250 which includes wirelesssystems. This can be particularly advantageous as wireless protocolsoften vary for remote units 310 from different manufacturers and, insome instances, from the same manufacturer. The one or more modularunits 210 can provide one or more wireless protocols. In someembodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit the processing system 120,signal conversion system 130, the sensor system 140, and/or the wirelesssystem 152 and the user can connect one or more modular units 210 toprovide the missing systems.

Moreover, it is contemplated that due to advances in technology, systemson the eyewear unit 110 itself can eventually become antiquated by newertechnology. The modular unit 210 can be used to supplement or replaceexisting systems on the eyewear unit 110. For example, the modular unit210 can be used to assist in providing faster, more efficient, and/orotherwise enhanced operation of the device by including one or moresupplemental components, such as a power system 270 and/or supplementstorage of data by including a memory with processing system 220. Thisability to supplement or improve the existing systems of the device canalso be beneficial as the user need not be inconvenienced withpurchasing an entirely new eyewear unit 110 to upgrade certain featuresand functionality. Rather, the user can purchase modular units 210 toadd or upgrade components, features and/or functionality of the system100.

As should be understood from the discussion of the multiple systemsbelow, it should be appreciated that any of the components can beomitted from one or more of the systems of the eyewear unit 110 and/ormodular unit 210. Accordingly, it should be understood that anycombination of such components between the eyewear unit 110 and/ormodular unit 210 can be achieved as desired by the user.

For example, in some embodiments, the modular unit 210 can includesystems and/or components which are not present on the eyewear unit 110or vice versa. For example, in some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110can include solely a power system 170 and the modular unit 210 caninclude one or more of a processing system 220, a signal conversionsystem 230, a sensor system 240, an input/output (I/O) system 250, and auser interface system 260. The eyewear unit 110 can provide power to themodular unit 210 via a port or connector of the eyewear unit 110 similarto those described in connection with I/O system 150 below. In thismanner, a user can specifically choose modular units 210 which providethe functionality that the user desires. This can beneficially reducetotal costs to the user as the user need not purchase modular units 210with functionality that the user does not desire. Moreover, selection ofspecific functionality can further reduce size and/or weight of thesystem 100.

As another example, in some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 caninclude an I/O system 150 and the modular unit 210 can include an I/Osystem 250 and one or both of the eyewear unit 110 and the modular unit210 can include a power system. This can beneficially provide for agreater degree of connectivity with other devices. For example, the I/Osystem 250 can be a more up-to-date wireless protocol capable ofcommunicating with newer devices. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit110 can include a processing system 120 and power system 170 in additionto the I/O system 150. In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 caninclude one or more other systems, such as a processing system 220, asignal conversion system 230, a sensor system 240, a user interfacesystem 260, and/or a power system 270 in addition to the I/O system 150.In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 can provide one or more of thefollowing functionality: additional processing capabilities such as asecond microprocessor, image capture (e.g., still camera and/or videocamera), audio input devices (e.g., microphones, such as a boneconduction microphone), audio output devices (e.g., in-ear speakers,bone conduction speakers, directional audio speakers, outwardly facingspeakers), physiological sensing (e.g., heart rate sensors, blood-oxygensensors, and the like), environmental sensing (e.g., air temperaturesensors, air humidity sensors, air quality sensors, pressure sensors,wind speed sensors which can be used in calculating power, and thelike), motions sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscope, and the like),biometric calculations (e.g., skin temperature and air temperature tocalculate hydration, biochemical sensors to determine sweatcharacteristics, EEG sensors), provision of directions (e.g., audioand/or visual indicators such as a turn signal and/or haptic feedback,GPS), additional wireless capabilities (e.g., receivers, transmitters,and/or transceivers) which can add new protocols or supplement existingprotocols (e.g., a second Bluetooth connection), Wi-Fi, or any otherprotocol described herein, wind noise reduction (e.g., windscreens,specific housing shapes), enhanced audio (e.g., enhanced speakers),enhanced booms (e.g., built-in power sources such as batteries,different sizes such as smaller sizes designed to better fit women),user interfaces (e.g., touch controls or buttons), power charging (e.g.,one or more ports or connectors which allow for charging of the systemwhile still allowing a user to listen to the boom), safety features(e.g., LED lights, radar system which can be rear-facing, peer-to-peercommunications), and other functionality.

Use of a remote unit 310 with the system 100 can also advantageouslyenhance the features and functionality of the system 100. For example,the remote unit 310 can include systems and/or components which are notpresent on the system 100 or vice versa. Similar to the description inconnection with modular unit 210, the user can purchase one or moreremote units 310 to provide additional components, features and/orfunctionality. As should be understood from the discussion of themultiple systems below, it should be appreciated that any of thecomponents can be omitted from one or more of the systems of the system100 and/or remote unit 310. Accordingly, it should be understood thatany combination of such components between the system 100 and/or remoteunit 310 can be achieved as desired by the user.

Although the discussion below of the multiple systems is primarily inreference to the eyewear unit 110, it should be understood that suchdiscussion also pertains to systems of the modular unit 210 and theremote unit 310. For example, it should be understood that any or all ofthe components discussed in connection with processing system 120,signal conversion system 130, sensor system 140, I/O system 150, userinterface system 160, and/or power system 170 can also be includedinstead of or in addition to those described and/or illustrated inprocessing systems 220, 320, signal conversion systems 230, 330, sensorsystems 240, 340, I/O systems 250, 350, user interface systems 260, 360,and/or power systems 270, 370.

Processing System

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the support structuresuch as eyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include a processingsystem 120 which can be designed to process and/or store data receivedfrom one or more of the other systems of the system, such as the eyewearunit 110, modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310. As shown in theillustrated embodiment, the processing system 120 can include one ormore components, such as a processor 122, a memory 124 and program 126.The processor 122 can be a microprocessor or central processing unit(CPU) designed to receive data from one or more of the other systems andtransmit this processed data to one or more of the other systems. Insome embodiments, the processor 122 can be designed to process this datain accordance with an algorithm from program 126. The functionality ofprocessor 122 and/or any other component of the eyewear unit 110,modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310 can be modified and/or enhancedby utilizing a different program 126. The processed data can also bestored in the memory 124 for later use. For example, the data stored inmemory 124 can be retrieved at a later time for further processing bythe processing system 120 and/or viewing by the user. In someembodiments, the program 126 can be software stored in memory 124 and/orfirmware stored in hardware, such as the processor 122 and/or othercomponents of the eyewear unit 110. The program 126 can be updated,modified, fixed, and/or replaced, such as by receiving a new or modifiedprogram 126 through the system 100, and/or by attaching the component inwhich the program 126 is stored or some other portion of the system toanother computing device, either in a wired or wireless manner, toconvey new or modified program information into the program 126, or byreplacing the component in which the program 126 is stored with anothercomponent containing a different program 126.

Program 126 can include software which can provide one or more differentfeatures or user experiences when utilizing the system 100. For example,such software can include one or more applications which provide one ormore features and/or functionality such as, but not limited to, trackingdesigned to track and store a user's activity such as number of stepstaken, amount of time the user was active, environmental conditions inwhich the system 100 has been used, and the like. The software can alsoinclude one or more features and functionality related to user operationof the eyewear unit 110, modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310, suchas voice command functionality allowing for hands-free operation of theunits 110, 210, 310. In some embodiments, the software can enable one ormore other types of features and functionality such as conversion oftext messages to voice messages and vice versa.

In some embodiments, the program 126 can include software found onmobile devices such as, but not limited to, cell phones, smart phones,PDAs, and tablets running Android, iOS, and/or Windows operatingsystems, etc. For example, the eyewear unit 110 can include an Android,iOS, and/or Windows operating system to enable compatibility with suchsoftware. In some embodiments, program 126 can include software found onother types of electronic devices including, but not limited to, laptopsand desktops. Advantageously, in embodiments where such functionality isenabled in the eyewear unit 110, the eyewear unit 110 of the system 100can include one or more functions of other stand-alone mobile devices.

Although program 126 is illustrated as forming part of the processingsystem 120, as noted above program 126 can include firmware which isbuilt into any aspect of the system, such as in the processor 122 and/orany other components of the eyewear unit 110. For example, program 126can be used to control the operation of components of the eyewear unit110 such as the various components of the signal conversion system 130,sensor system 140, I/O system 150, user interface system 160 and/or thepower system 170 or similar systems on the modular unit 210 and/orremote unit 310. For example, the program 126 can be used to control theoperation of the wireless system 152 of the I/O system 150 which caninclude a receiver, transmitter, and/or transceiver designed tocommunicate with other devices typically within a personal area networkdistance from the eyewear unit 110 using a wireless protocol such as,but not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart),ANT, ANT+, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, and MMS. The program 126 can alsobe used to monitor the statuses of the one or more sensors of the system100.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude processing systems 220, 320 having components, features and/orfunctionality similar to that described above in connection withprocessing system 120. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 canomit one or more components of the processing system 120 such that auser can provide such components with processing systems 220, 320. Forexample, the eyewear unit 110 can omit the processor 122, memory 124and/or program 126 allowing the user to supply one or more of suchcomponents by connecting the eyewear unit 110 with a modular unit 210and/or remote unit 310 via a wired connection and/or wirelessly. Theeyewear unit 110 can include components which overlap with those ofprocessing systems 220, 320 of the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit310. This can advantageously supplement and/or enhance the functionalityof the processing system 120. For example, the eyewear unit 110 can beprovided with a power-efficient processor 122 to conserve battery lifeand a modular unit 210 and/or a remote unit 310 can include a morepowerful processor. As another example, the modular unit 210 and/orremote unit 310 can have a processing system 220, 320 designed to decodeMP3s or other audio files and can provide such additional featuresand/or functionality to the eyewear unit 110 when connected. Of course,in some embodiments, one or more components of the processing systems220, 320 of the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be omitted.

Signal Conversion System

With continued reference to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, theeyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include a signal conversionsystem 130 which can be designed to convert signals from one form toanother. The signal conversion system 130 can be designed to convertanalog and/or digital electrical signals into signals more readilyperceptible by the user of the eyewear unit 110 such as audio, visual,and/or tactile signals, etc. The signal conversion system 130 can bedesigned to convert audio, visual, and tactile signals into analogand/or digital electrical signals for processing by a processing systemsuch as processing system 120. Accordingly, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, the signal conversion system 130 can include one or more ofa visual component 132, an audio component 134 and a tactile component136.

In some embodiments, the visual component 132 can include a displaydevice which can convert analog and/or digital signals into visualimages and display them to the user. This may be accomplished byprojecting an image or other data directly on the retina (i.e., retinalprojection) and/or by displaying an image on an image plane such as asurface or screen within the wearer's field of view such as, but notlimited to, an LCD screen, an OLED screen, a projector onto a surfacesuch as a prism having an opaque surface, any other display screen, or acombination of such devices. The display device may be driven by any ofa wide variety of source materials, either carried on board the eyewearunit 110, or in communication with the eyeglasses from another source,such as the modular unit 210 and/or the remote unit 310, either viawired communication such as via a wired connection 158 such as a portand/or connector and/or wirelessly such as via the wireless system 152.

In some embodiments, to provide such functionality, the display devicecan include a variety of components such as those described inconnection with FIG. 2, below. In some embodiments, the visual component132 can include an image capture device which can convert visual imagesinto analog and/or digital signals. For example, the image capturedevice can be a camera which can capture pictures and/or video. One ormore visual components 132 can be removably coupled to one or morecomponents of the system 100 to enable selective use of one or more ofthe visual components 132. For example, in some embodiments, a user canattach a visual component 132 when needed to receive or transmit visualdata, but then remove such visual component 132 when not needed, toreduce the weight and bulk of the eyewear and/or to change theappearance of the eyewear. The removable attachment between the visualcomponent 132 and any other component of the system 100 can beaccomplished using any suitable structures or methods, including but notlimited to any of the wired or wireless structures or methods describedand/or illustrated in this specification.

The visual component 132 can be used to provide the user withvisualizations of data desired by the user. For example, the visualcomponent 132 can be used to provide the user with a visualization ofdata received from one or more of the systems such as the sensors of thesensor system 140. The visual component 132 can provide the user with avisual indicator of parameters being detected and/or measured by thesensors of the sensor system 140 such as, but not limited to, the user'sheart rate, body temperature, velocity, acceleration, pace, distancetraveled, power expended, energy expended, ambient temperature,pressure, altitude, body orientation and other such parameters and data.By providing a visual indication of such parameters, the user of thedevice can track such parameters on an ongoing or continuous or constantbasis. Other visual indicators of parameters from other systems can alsobe shown such as the status of such systems. Other types of data, suchas pictures and/or videos, can be displayed using the visual component132. Moreover, the visual component 132 can be used as a camera tocapture pictures and/or videos which can be advantageous to increase thesafety of the user of the device. For example, the camera can bedirected behind and/or laterally to provide the user with images ofuser's blind spots.

In some embodiments, the audio component 134 can include a speakerdevice which can convert analog and/or digital signals into sound wavesand direct them to the user. This may be accomplished by generatingpressure waves and directing these pressure waves to the user's ears,such as via a speaker, and/or by generating vibrations, such as via abone-conduction speaker. In some embodiments, the audio component 134can include an audio capture device which can convert sound waves intoanalog and/or digital signals. For example, the audio capture device canbe a microphone.

The audio component 134 can be used to provide the user with audiblerepresentations of data desired by the user. For example, the audiocomponent 134 can be used to provide the user with an audiblerepresentation of data received from one or more of the systems such asthe sensors of the sensor system 140. The audio component 134 canprovide the user with intermittent and/or continuous audio updates ofparameters being detected and/or measured by the sensors of the sensorsystem 140 such as, but not limited to, the user's heart rate, bodytemperature, velocity, pace, distance traveled, power expended, energyexpended, ambient temperature, pressure, altitude and other suchparameters and data. Other audio updates of parameters from othersystems can be shown such as the status of such systems. Other types ofdata, such as music, voice calls, can also be audibly presented usingthe audio component 134. The audio component 134 can be used as amicrophone which can be used in conjunction with operating the eyewearunit 110, modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310, voice calls, andsimilar functions. In some embodiments, the microphone can be used inconjunction with a speaker for purposes of noise cancellation.

In some embodiments, the haptic component 136 can include a force orvibration device which can convert analog and/or digital signals intotactile feedback and direct them to the user. This may be accomplishedby generating forces or vibrations, such as via one or more of animbalanced motor, linear actuators, voice coils, piezoelectrics,electrostatics, and/or electroactive polymers, etc. In some embodiments,the haptic component 136 can include a tactile capture device which canconvert tactile forces into analog and/or digital signals. For example,the tactile capture device can comprise one or more piezoelectrics,electrostatics, electroactive polymers, any other device as desired, ora combination of any of these devices.

The haptic component 136 can be used to provide the user with tactilerepresentations of data desired by the user. For example, the hapticcomponent 136 can be used to provide the user with a tactilerepresentation of data received from one or more of the systems such asthe sensors of the sensor system 140. Accordingly, the haptic component136 can provide the user with intermittent and/or continuous tactileupdates of parameters being detected and/or measured by the sensors ofthe sensor system 140 such as, but not limited to, the user's heartrate, body temperature, velocity, pace, distance traveled, powerexpended, energy expended, ambient temperature, pressure, altitude andother such parameters and data. In some embodiments, the hapticcomponent 136 can vibrate to provide the user with notifications oftrigger events. For example, the haptic component 136 can vibrate whenan email or text message has been received, when a call is beingreceived, and other types of trigger events.

In some embodiments, one or more haptic components 136 can be positionedon multiple components of the eyewear unit 110 and/or modular unit 210.For example, haptic components 136 can be placed on lateral componentsof the eyewear unit 110, such as earstems of an eyewear, and on anteriorcomponents of the eyewear unit 110, such as the frame of the eyewear orthe nosepiece of the eyewear. The different haptic components 136 can beactivated separately or together based on the specific trigger event.For example, if an email or text message is received, a lateral hapticcomponent 136 can be activated. If a call is being received, an anteriorhaptic component 136 can be activated. Separate activation of differenthaptic components 136 can help the user to more easily identifydifferent trigger events.

In some embodiments, use of multiple haptic components 136 can be usedto assist the user in navigation. For example, a haptic component 136located to the left of the user's head can be activated to indicate tothe user to turn left, a haptic component 136 located to the right ofthe user's head can be activated to indicate to the user to turn right,and a haptic component 136 located to the front of the user's head canbe activated to indicate to the user to continue proceeding forward. Useof haptic components 136 for navigation can be particularly beneficialfor users of the eyewear unit 110 and/or modular unit 210 who are blindand/or deaf. This can also be particularly beneficial, even for thosewith full vision and/or hearing capabilities, when use of visualindicators and/or audio indicators may be intrusive or impracticalduring a particular activity, such as when other visual or audioindicators are already being utilized by a user. In some embodiments,the haptic components 136 can be used to inform a user of objects and/orpersons in a user's blind spot. This can beneficially enhance the safetyof the user of the device. As another example, visual indicators couldpotentially make the user more visible to others as a result of thelight output in providing such indicators. Audio indicators canpotentially be heard by others.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude signal conversion systems 230, 330 having components, featuresand/or functionality similar to or the same as any of those describedabove in connection with signal conversion system 130. In someembodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit one or more components of thesignal conversion system 130 such that a user can provide suchcomponents with signal conversion systems 230, 330. For example, theeyewear unit 110 can omit the visual component 132, audio component 134and/or haptic component 136 thereby allowing the user to supply one ormore of such components by connecting the eyewear unit 110 with amodular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 via a wired connection and/orwirelessly. In some embodiments, an audio component such as an in-ear,on-ear, near-ear, over-the-ear, and/or an outwardly facing speaker canbe provided on a modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310. For example,the remote unit 310 can have an outwardly facing speaker and serve as anexternal speaker. The eyewear unit 110 can include components whichoverlap with those of the signal conversion systems 230, 330 of themodular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310. This can advantageouslysupplement and/or enhance the functionality of the signal conversionsystem 130. For example, the eyewear unit 110 can be provided with aspeaker and a modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be providedwith a microphone. In some embodiments, one or more components of thesignal conversion systems 230, 330 of the modular unit 210 and/or remoteunit 310 can be omitted.

Sensor System

With continued reference to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, theeyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include a sensor system 140 whichcan be designed to obtain sensory data from the environment (e.g., anambient or environmental sensor) and/or the user (a biometric and/orphysiological sensor). Accordingly, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, the sensor system 140 can include a plurality of sensorsincluding, but not limited to, one or more motion sensors 142, one ormore biometric and/or physiological sensors 144, and one or more ambientor environmental sensors 146. By utilizing data from the sensor system140, the eyewear unit 110 can provide beneficial data regarding theuser's condition and/or the surrounding environment. The data receivedfrom the sensor system 140, can be further processed by the processingsystem 120 to provide the user with general data about the user'sactivities, such as number of steps taken and duration of time the userwas active.

The one or more motion sensors 142 can be designed to detect and/ormeasure movement or motion. The one or more motion sensors 142 caninclude any type of sensor which can detect and/or measure such movementor motion including, but not limited to, an accelerometer to detectand/or measure acceleration and a gyroscope to detect and/or measureorientation. Other types of sensors motion sensors 142 can also be usedsuch as, but not limited to, a cadence sensor for measuring therotational speed of a crank arm of a bicycle, a speed sensor formeasuring the speed of a bike, a pedometer for measuring the number ofsteps taken by a user and similar sensors. It should be understood thatsome of these sensors may be more advantageously placed, for example, onone or more remote units 310 due to the positioning of such sensorsrelative to the user. For example, a cadence sensor and/or pedometer maybe more advantageously placed proximate a user's feet.

The one or more physiological sensors 144 can be designed to detectand/or measure one or more physiologic parameters of the user. As such,the one or more physiological sensors 144 can include any type of sensorwhich can detect and/or measure such physiological parameters including,but not limited to, sensors for monitoring cardiovascular parameterssuch as a heart rate sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a blood sugarsensor, and a blood-oxygen and/or blood CO2 sensor, sensors formonitoring hydration levels and temperature of a user such as aperspiration sensor, a skin resistivity sensor, a hydration sensor, adermal moisture sensor, an electrolyte sensor, and a body temperaturesensor, and/or any other types of sensors, such as a lactic acid sensorand pO2 sensor. Other types of physiological sensors 144 can be used asdesired. It should be understood that some of these sensors may be moreadvantageously placed, for example, on one or more remote units 310 dueto the positioning of such sensors relative to the user. For example, aheart rate sensor may be more advantageously placed in contact with oradjacent a user's chest.

The one or more ambient or environmental sensors 146 can be designed todetect and/or measure parameters of the surrounding environment. Assuch, the one or more ambient or environmental sensors 146 can includeany type of sensor which can detect and/or measure such parametersincluding, but not limited to, an air temperature sensor, an airhumidity sensor, a pressure sensor, an altitude sensor (such as analtimeter), an oxygen sensor, an air quality sensor, a wind speed sensor(such as a pitot tube), a solar irradiance sensor, a proximity sensorsuch as a sonar device, a magnetometer, and any other sensor which candetect parameters of the surrounding environment. In some embodiments,the ambient or environmental sensor 146 can include a range finder whichcan detect a distance to an object.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude sensor systems 240, 340 having components, features and/orfunctionality similar to that described above in connection with sensorsystem 140. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit one ormore components of the sensor system 140 such that a user can providesuch components with sensor systems 240, 340. For example, the eyewearunit 110 can omit the motion sensor 142, physiological sensor 144 and/orambient or environmental sensor 146 thereby allowing the user to supplyone or more of such components by connecting the eyewear unit 110 with amodular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 via a wired connection and/orwirelessly. In some embodiments, a heart rate sensor, gyroscope,accelerometer and/or magnetometer can be provided on a modular unit 210and/or remote unit 310. Of course, the eyewear unit 110 can includecomponents which overlap with those of the sensor systems 240, 340 ofthe modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310. This can advantageouslysupplement and/or enhance the functionality of the sensor system 140.For example, the eyewear unit 110 can be provided with an accelerometer,gyroscope, and a modular unit 210 can be provided with a heart ratesensor and a remote unit 310 can be provided with a cadence sensor. Insome embodiments, one or more components of the sensor systems 240, 340of the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be omitted.

Input/Output (I/O) System

With continued reference to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, theeyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include an I/O system 150 whichcan interface with one or more modular units 210 and/or one or moreremote units 310. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the I/O system150 can include a wireless system 152 as well as one or more wiredconnections 158, such as ports and/or connectors, for removablemechanical and/or electrical coupling with another device such as one ormore modular units 210. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.1, the eyewear unit 110, the modular unit 210, and/or the remote unit310 can each communicate with each other such that the units 110, 210,310 can receive communications from and/or send communications to eachother. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the respective inputsystems of each of the eyewear unit 110, the modular unit 210, and/orthe remote unit 310 can receive communications from each of therespective output systems of each of the eyewear unit 110, the modularunit 210, and/or the remote unit 310; and each of the respective outputsystems of each of the eyewear unit 110, the modular unit 210, and/orthe remote unit 310 can send communications to each of the respectiveinput systems of each of the eyewear unit 110, the modular unit 210,and/or remote unit 310.

The wireless system 152 can include one or more receivers 154 to receivewireless signals from another device such as one or more remote units310 and one or more transmitters 156 to send wireless signals to anotherdevice such as one or more remote units 310. The wireless system 152 caninclude one or more transceivers which can perform both functions. Theone or more receivers 154, one or more transmitters 156, and/or one ormore transceivers can include one or more antennas. The one or moreantennas can be configured to receive one or more electronic signalsincluding, but not limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy(Bluetooth Smart), ANT, ANT+, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, MMS, and/or anyother type of signal. The one or more antennas can be positioned on anyportion of the eyewear unit 110 including, but not limited to, portionsof a face or frame such as a nosepiece region or nosepad, lateralregions of the face or frame, a brow, and/or orbital regions, portionsof an earstem such as an anterior region of the earstem, a posteriorregion of the earstem, a bottom surface of the earstem, a top surface ofthe earstem, an outer surface of the earstem, and/or an inner surface ofthe earstem, and/or portions of a lens such as a periphery of the lens,an anterior surface of the lens, and/or a posterior surface of the lens.In some embodiments, the antennas can be positioned along bottom, top,outer, and/or inner surfaces of any portion of the eyewear unit 110. Insome embodiments, the antennas can be positioned along interior and/orexterior surfaces of the eyewear unit 110. The one or more antennas caninclude movable antennas, such as antenna 1600, discussed in furtherdetail below in connection with FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, in someembodiments the movable antenna can be an articulating antenna which iscoupled to the eyewear unit at a movable joint.

The one or more receivers 154 and/or one or more transmitters 156 can bedesigned to wirelessly communicate with other devices using one or moreprotocols. For example, the receiver 154 and/or transmitter 156 caninclude protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BluetoothSmart), ANT, ANT+, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, and MMS. The receiver 154can be designed such that the eyewear unit 110 is viewed as an ANT+master unit when communicating with other ANT+ devices. In someembodiments, the one or more receivers 154 and/or one or moretransmitters 156 (or transceivers) can include two or more protocolssuch that the eyewear unit 110 can advantageously be used with a widervariety of devices such as modular units 210 and/or remote units 310. Insome embodiments, the one or more receivers and/or one or moretransmitters (or transceivers) can utilize the two or more protocolssimultaneously. In some embodiments, the receiver 154 can be designed toreceive signals from a global positioning satellite (GPS). As shown inthe illustrated embodiment, the wireless system 310 can be designed towirelessly communicate with the one or more remote units 310.

The one or more wired connections 158, such as ports and/or connectors,can allow for removable mechanical and/or electrical coupling with otherdevices such as one or more modular units 210. The one or more wiredconnections 158 can be designed to be universally compatible with avariety of devices. For example, in some embodiments, the one or morewired connections 158 can include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) portand/or connector, such as USB 1.0, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, andincluding microUSB and type-C ports and/or connectors, an IEEE 1394(FireWire) port and/or connector, an Ethernet port and/or connector, aThunderbolt port and/or connector, a Displayport port and/or connector,a DVI port and/or connector, an HDMI port and/or connector, an opticalport and/or connector, a coaxial port and/or connector, and/or otherports and/or connectors. In some embodiments, the one or more wiredconnections 158 can have different mechanical and/or electricalconnectors to allow for an even wider range of devices to be used. Forexample, a first wired connection 158 can be a USB 3.0 port or connectorwhereas a second wired connection 158 can be a Thunderbolt port orconnector. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the one or more wiredconnections 158 can be designed to mechanically and/or electricallycouple with the one or more modular units 210. The wired connections 158can be positioned on any portion of the eyewear unit 110 including, butnot limited to, portions of a face or frame such as a nosepiece regionor nosepad, lateral regions of the face or frame, a brow, and/or orbitalregions, portions of an earstem such as an anterior region of theearstem, a posterior region of the earstem, a bottom surface of theearstem, a top surface of the earstem, an outer surface of the earstem,and/or an inner surface of the earstem, and/or portions of a lens suchas a periphery of the lens, an anterior surface of the lens, and/or aposterior surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the wiredconnections 158 can be positioned along bottom, top, outer, and/or innersurfaces of any portion of the eyewear unit 110. In some embodiments,the wired connections 158 can be positioned along interior and/orexterior surfaces of the eyewear unit 110.

The one or more modular units 210 can have different shapes,appearances, features, and/or functionality, but the modular units 210can include generally the same mechanical and/or electric connectors towired connections 158 to enable interchangeability. In some embodiments,a vendor can provide a selection (simultaneously or over time) of aplurality of different interchangeable modular units 210 with multipledifferent shapes, sizes, and/or colors, and/or with different featuresand/or functionality. In this way, a user can purchase different modularunits 210 to customize the user's system 100, to upgrade the user'ssystem 100, and/or to replace broken or damaged components in the user'ssystem 100. In some embodiments where the modular unit 210 includes auniversally compatible wired connection, such as a USB connector, themodular unit 210 can be connected to other devices which have a similarconnector. For example, the modular unit 210 could be attached todevices such as, but not limited to, a computer, a smartphone, anaudio/video player, and a vehicle entertainment system. In someembodiments, each or all of the modular units 210 can be standalonedevices which can be removed from the eyewear unit 110 and functionseparately from the eyewear unit 110 or any other electronic devices.

In some embodiments, the modular units 210 are mounted in closeproximity to the eyewear unit 110. The eyewear unit 110 and modular unit210 can be coupled to form a relatively compact, combined unit. This canbe particularly advantageous in many situations as this can reduce theburden on the user of the system 100. By placing both the eyewear unit110 and the modular unit 210 in an eyewear, the user need not beinconvenienced with using such remote devices.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude I/O systems 250, 350 having components, features and/orfunctionality similar to that described above in connection with I/Osystem 150. For example, in some embodiments, the modular unit 210 caninclude a wireless system having a receiver, transmitter and/ortransceiver similar to that discussed in connection with I/O system 150.In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit one or morecomponents of the I/O system 150 such that a user can provide suchcomponents with I/O systems 250, 350. For example, the eyewear unit 110can omit the wireless system 152 including the receiver 154 and/ortransmitter 156, and/or wired connection 158 thereby allowing the userto supply one or more of such components by connecting the eyewear unit110 with a modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 having one or more ofsuch components. In some embodiments, a port and/or connector can beprovided on a modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 to allowadditional modular units 210 to be attached to the system 100. Theeyewear unit 110 can include components which overlap with those of theI/O systems 250, 350 of the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310.This can advantageously supplement and/or enhance the functionality ofthe I/O system 150. For example, the eyewear unit 110 can be providedwith a wireless system 152 having Bluetooth and/or ANT+ protocols andthe modular unit 210 can be provided with a wireless system havingdifferent protocols such as ZigBee or Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, theeyewear unit 110 can be provided with no wireless system 152 and themodular unit 210 can be provided with a wireless system having one ormore different protocols. This can be particularly beneficial whenwireless protocols are often updated thereby reducing the likelihoodthat the eyewear unit 110 will have an antiquated wireless protocol. Insome embodiments, one or more components of the I/O systems 250, 350 ofthe modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be omitted.

While the input/output system 110 have been generally described ashaving a wireless system 152 for communication with remote units 310 andone or more wired connections 158 for communication with modular units210, in some embodiments communications between the eyewear unit 110 andone or more modular units 210 can be via the wireless system 152 and/orwired connections 158 and/or communications between the eyewear unit 110and the remote units 310 can be can be via the wireless system 152and/or wired connections 158. In some embodiments, communicationsbetween the modular unit 210 and the remote unit 310 can be via wirelesssystems of input/output systems 250, 350. In some embodiments,communications between the modular unit 210 and the remote unit 310 canbe via one or more wireless systems and/or wired connections of theinput/output systems 250, 350.

User Interface System

With continued reference to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, theeyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include a user interface system160 which can be designed to allow the user to operate the eyewear unit110, modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310. As shown in theillustrated embodiment, the user interface system 160 can include one ormore actuators 162 and/or one or more sensors 164.

In some embodiments, the one or more actuators 162 can includemechanical switches such as, but not limited to, toggle, rocker, button,and/or rotary switches. One or more actuators 162 can advantageously beused to provide tactile feedback when operating the switch such that theuser can easily operate the device without having to view the actuators162 directly. The actuators 162 can be used to control one or moreoperating parameters such as the on-off state of the eyewear unit 110,modular unit 210, and/or remote unit 310, audio volume control, and/orvideo brightness control, etc.

In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 164 can include sensorswhich detect contact such as capacitive and/or resistive sensors. Insome embodiments, the capacitive and/or resistive sensors can bedesigned to detect contact with a user's finger. For example, the userinterface system 160 can include a touch screen having capacitive and/orresistive sensors on which the user can use different gestures to modifyparameters of the eyewear unit 110, modular unit 210 and/or remote unit310. Such gestures can include, but are not limited to, a frontwardswipe, a rearward swipe, an upward swipe, a downward swipe, one or moretaps such as a double or triple tap, pressing the screen for a specificduration of time, a multiple position tap, and any combination of theabove. The touch screen can be sized to fit along any portion of theeyewear unit 110, including but not limited to a face and/or an earstemof the eyewear unit 110.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude user interface systems 260, 360 having components, featuresand/or functionality similar to that described above in connection withuser interface system 160. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 canomit one or more components of the user interface system 160 such that auser can provide such components with user interface systems 260, 360.For example, the eyewear unit 110 can omit the actuator 162 and/orsensor 164 thereby allowing the user to supply one or more of suchcomponents by connecting the eyewear unit 110, via a wired connectorand/or wirelessly, with a modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 havingone or more of such components. This can be beneficial as it can allow auser to select a type of user interface that the user prefers and/orswitch the type of user interface. For example, a user may find itadvantageous to use a user interface having tactile buttons for certainactivities and may find it more advantageous to utilize a user interfacehaving touch capabilities for other activities. Accordingly, the usermay wish to swap between a tactile button user interface with a touchuser interface based on the specific activity. Of course, the eyewearunit 110 can include components which overlap with those of the userinterface systems 260, 360 of the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit310. This can advantageously supplement and/or enhance the functionalityof the user interface system 160. Of course, in some embodiments, one ormore components of the user interface systems 260, 360 of the modularunit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be omitted.

Power System

With continued reference to the system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, theeyewear unit 110 of the system 100 can include a power system 170 whichcan be designed to provide energy to the one or more systems of theeyewear unit 110, modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310. As shown inthe illustrated embodiment, the power system 170 can include an energystorage component 172 and/or an energy generation component 174.

The energy storage component 172 can be a device designed to storeenergy for use with the eyewear unit 110, modular unit 210 and/or remoteunit 310. For example, the energy storage component 172 can be a batterydevice such as primary cell (non-rechargeable) and/or a secondary cell(rechargeable) such as, but not limited to, a Li-ion battery, LiPobattery, NiCad battery, and Ni-MH battery. The battery device can bedesigned to provide between about 50 mAh to about 500 mAh, about 150 mAhand/or any other energy storage capacity as desired. In someembodiments, the energy storage component 172 can be a capacitor, fuelcell, or other device which can store energy for later use.

The energy generation component 174 can be a device designed to generateenergy from another source. The energy generation component 174 can be adevice designed to convert kinetic energy, solar energy and/or thermalenergy to electrical energy for powering the systems of eyewear unit110, modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310. The energy generationcomponent 174 can be a device designed to convert electromagnetic energyto electrical energy. In such an embodiment, the eyewear unit 110,modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 can be wirelessly powered andcharged.

In some embodiments, the modular unit 210 and/or remote unit 310 caninclude power systems 270, 370 having components, features and/orfunctionality similar to that described above in connection with powersystem 170. In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 110 can omit one ormore components of the power system 170 such that a user can providesuch components with power systems 270, 370. For example, the eyewearunit 110 can omit the energy storage component 172 and/or energygeneration component 174 thereby allowing the user to supply one or moreof such components by connecting the eyewear unit 110 with a modularunit 210 via a wired connection and/or wirelessly. In some embodiments,the modular unit 210 can be provided with an energy storage componentsuch as a battery. The eyewear unit 110 can include components whichoverlap with those of the power systems 270, 370 of the modular unit 210and/or remote unit 310. This can advantageously supplement and/orenhance the functionality of the power system 170. For example, themodular unit 210 can include an energy storage component to supplementthe energy storage component 172 of the eyewear unit 110 therebyincreasing the duration of operation of the eyewear unit 110, modularunit 210 and/or remote unit 310. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the power systems 270, 370 of the modular unit 210 and/orremote unit 310 can be omitted.

Examples of Display Devices

With reference to the embodiment of electronics 400 illustrated on FIG.2, the display device can be operative to project at least one opticalbeam onto a retina of the wearer and/or displaying an image on a surfaceor screen within the wearer's field of view. The display device can bein optical and/or electrical communication with electronics 400 whichprovide the display device with optical image data that is utilized toproduce the optical beam. The display device can include a transmissioncomponent 440, as described below.

The electronics 400 can include an electronics module 401 that receivesimage data from an image source 402. The image data can include datautilizable to create an image, such as placement and intensity of colorin the image. The electronics module 401, as is known in the art, can beused to decipher the image data such that it can be optically portrayedby the electronics 400. The electronics 400 can include one or morelight sources 404, color combining optics 406, a photonics module 408,and/or modulators 410, etc. Any or all of these components can be inelectronic communication with the electronic module 401 and receive thedeciphered imaged data therefrom and create the image based on thedeciphered image data.

The light sources 404 can convey the image in RGB (red, green, blue)and/or can be modulated and combined utilizing the color combiningoptics 406, the photonics module 408, and the modulators 410. Finally, ascanner module 412, which can be mounted on the display device, canproject the optical beam onto the retina of the wearer in order toraster scan or “paint” or convey the optical image onto the retina. Thescanner module 412 can include one or more micro electro-mechanicalstructures such as scanners 414, a diffuser 415, and/or a focusing lens416. The image can be painted or conveyed in RGB at the rate of at leastapproximately 30 times per minute or more for premium resolution.However, other scanning rates can also be used as desired. It should beunderstood that these components and systems can also be adapted for usein displaying an image on a surface or screen within the wearer's fieldof view.

As mentioned above, embodiments can be favorably implemented incombination with various electronics 400; it is also contemplated thatwith the advance of science, new and improved electrical and opticalcomponents can become available and be incorporated into embodiments.The optical beam can be directly or indirectly projected toward the eyeof the wearer. Therefore, although FIG. 2, as well as other figures,illustrate direct retinal projection, it is contemplated that theoptical beam can be reflected off of other structures incorporated intothe optical element, such as the lens or lenses of an eyewear or otherreflective surface. Moreover, it should also be understood that at leastsome components described in connection with FIG. 2 can also form partof other systems of the eyewear unit 110 including, but not limited to,the processing system 120 and the power system 170.

In some embodiments, the display device can include visual displayand/or optical components. These components can include a display suchas a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, a semiconductordevice (LD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light emittingdiode (OLED), active OLED, AMOLED, super AMOLED, a projector, directretinal projection through virtual retinal display (VRD) or retinal scandisplay (RSD) using a retinal projector (RP), micro-electro-mechanicalsystems display, an electroluminescence (EL), a cathode ray tube (CRT),a digital micromirror device (DMD), prism(s), lens(es), fiber-optictransmission component(s), mirror(s), a holographic optical element(HOE), laser projection, 3D display components or circuitry, or anotheremissive, transmissive, or reflective display technology, or the like ispreferably used. The system can produce real or virtual images for userperception. Further, the system can provide augmented visuals of naturalobjects perceived by the user.

The viewing plane for the system can be on a lens of the eyewear(goggles or eyeglasses) or spaced from the lens (either in front orbehind the lens). The viewing plane can be real or virtual. Further, thesystem and/or eyewear can also comprise variable light attenuationfeatures (e.g. electronic variable light attenuation) in the lens(es) orotherwise to enhance video display perception. The viewing plane canincorporate one or more display and/or light attenuation components.

In some embodiments, the display device can have a viewing surface orplane positioned along a surface of a lens or other surface of theeyewear. The display device can comprise one or more visual displayunits. The display device, such as an OLED display or otherwise, canprovide a real or virtual image for the wearer. The display device canalso incorporate light attenuation technology, such as electronicvariable light attenuation. In some embodiments, the display device canbe fitted onto a front or rear surface of a lens to provide a permanentor removable engagement with the lens.

In some embodiments, the display device can be positioned on an arm,such as a movable or articulating arm, of an eyewear unit or othercomponent of the system.

Embodiments of Network Configurations

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system500, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the system 500 can be designed to obtain, process,and/or convey data to a user of the system 500. The system 500 caninclude both an eyewear unit 510 and a modular unit 550, shown here asan earbud (e.g., a device that can be positioned in and/or retained byan inner portion of an ear), which can be removably coupled to theeyewear unit 510. The eyewear unit 510 and the modular unit 550 can besimilar to the eyewear unit 110 and the modular unit 210 described abovein connection with FIG. 1. Accordingly, the eyewear unit 510 and themodular unit 550 can include systems such as, but not limited to, aprocessing system, a signal conversion system, a sensor system, aninput/output (I/O) system, a user interface system and a power system.

The eyewear unit 510 can include a microprocessor to process data,memory for data storage, wireless receivers and transmitters (ortransceivers) with protocols used in the industry, such as Bluetoothand/or ANT+, or any future protocols to communicate with modular unitsand/or remote devices 580, 582, 584, and a plurality of sensors such asenvironmental sensors (e.g., an altimeter, a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, and the like), physiological sensors (e.g., a heartrate sensor, a blood-oxygen sensor, and the like), motions sensors(e.g., accelerometers, gyroscope, and the like), and/or other sensors.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the components of one or moresystems of the eyewear unit 510 can be integrated into an eyewear 512thereby providing a relatively compact form factor. Accordingly,components such as a microprocessor, memory, wireless receivers andtransmitters (or transceivers), and sensors can be provided within themultiple earstems 514, frame 516, nosepiece 518, and/or lens or lenses520 of the eyewear 512.

In order to removably couple the modular unit 550 to the eyewear unit510, the eyewear unit 510 can include a port 522 such as a USB 3.0Type-C port. This port 522 can also be used for other functionality suchas updating software on the eyewear unit 510 and charging the eyewearunit 510. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the port 552 ispositioned along a bottom portion of an earstem 514. The port 552 can bepositioned on any portion of the eyewear unit 510 including, but notlimited to, portions of a face or frame such as a nosepiece region ornosepad, lateral regions of the face or frame, a brow, and/or orbitalregions, portions of an earstem such as an anterior region of theearstem, a posterior region of the earstem, a bottom surface of theearstem, a top surface of the earstem, an outer surface of the earstem,and/or an inner surface of the earstem, and/or portions of a lens suchas a periphery of the lens, an anterior surface of the lens, and/or aposterior surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the port 552 can bepositioned along bottom and/or top surfaces of the eyewear unit 510. Insome embodiments, the port 552 can be positioned along bottom, top,outer, and/or inner surfaces of any portion of eyewear unit 510. While asingle port 552 is described herein, two or more ports may be used andpositioned on the eyewear unit 510.

A simplified schematic of modular unit 550 is illustrated in FIG. 3B. Asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 550 can includeone or more modules 552, 554. For example, in some embodiments, module552 can include components of a signal conversion system such as, butnot limited to, a microphone, a speaker, a video display, a camera,haptics. As shown, module 552 can include an in-ear or mid-ear speaker.In some embodiments, module 554 can include a microprocessor, multiplesensors such as, but not limited to, an accelerometer, gyroscope, andmagnetometer. The housing of the modular unit 550 can include one ormore moveable joints 556 which permit translation and/or rotation aboutthe joints 556. Accordingly, this can advantageously allow a user toorient components of the modular unit 550, such as the module 552, intoa proper position such that the user can utilize such components in acomfortable manner. In order to removably couple the modular unit 550 tothe eyewear unit 510, the modular unit 550 can include a connector 558such as those described above in connection with input/output system150, including, but not limited to, a USB 3.0 Type-C connector. Themodular unit 550 can receive communications from the eyewear unit 510via the connection; and the eyewear unit 510 can receive communicationsfrom the modular unit 550 via the connection.

In some embodiments, a heart rate sensor can be provided in or proximatethe module 552. For example, the heart rate sensor can be a valence cellprovided on or proximate the speaker of module 552 illustrated in FIG.3B. The modular unit 550 can include an additional port or connector. Insome embodiments, the user can have an array of different modular units,such as but not limited to multiple single-purpose modular units, eachwith a different sensor, so that the wearer can select one or moredesired modular units to connect to the eyewear unit 510 to customizethe nature of the data to the activity being performed by the wearer.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 510 and/ormodular unit 550 can wirelessly communicate with one or more remoteunits such as first, second and third remote units 580, 582, 584. Thefirst remote unit 580 can be an electronic device having advancedprocessing capabilities such as a smartphone, PDA, tablet, laptop, andthe like. In some embodiments, when the eyewear unit 510 and/or themodular unit 550 is in communication with such a device, additionalfeatures and/or functionality from such electronic devices can betransferred directly to the eyewear unit 510, to the modular unit 550,and/or to the eyewear unit 510 via the modular unit 550 or vice versa.For example, the electronic device can have software applications whichallow for advanced user voice controls over the electronic device suchas voice control software or can have software applications allowingmusic playback of MP3s or music streaming. Such features and/orfunctionality can be transferred to the eyewear unit 510, to the modularunit 550, and/or to the eyewear unit 510 via the modular unit 550 orvice versa. The second remote unit 582 and third remote unit 584 can beother types of devices having less advanced processing capabilities suchas, but not limited to, watches and sensors that can be worn by thewearer elsewhere on the wearer's body. It should be appreciated that theeyewear unit 510 and/or modular unit 550 can wirelessly communicate withremote units 580, 582, 584 via the same or different wireless protocols.As noted above, in some embodiments, the user can have an array ofdifferent remote units, such as but not limited to multiplesingle-purpose remote units each with a different sensor, so that thewearer can select one or more desired remote units to connect to theeyewear unit 510 to customize the nature of the data to the activitybeing performed by the wearer.

In some embodiments, the modular unit can be in wireless communicationwith some or all of the remote units. Moreover, in some embodiments, themodular unit can be in communication with additional modular units (notshown). In some embodiments, the eyewear unit need not be incommunication with some or all of the modular and/or remote units suchas remote units. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modularunit can be in communication with some or all of the remote units.

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system600, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the system 600 can be similar to system 500. As such, the system600 can include both an eyewear unit 610 and a modular unit 650 whichcan be removably coupled to the eyewear unit 610. The eyewear unit 610and modular unit 650 can be similar to eyewear unit 510 and modular unit550. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 610 and/ormodular unit 650 can wirelessly communicate with one or more remoteunits such as first, second and third remote units 680, 682, 684. Thefirst, second and third remote units 680, 682, 684 can be devices havingless advanced processing capabilities such as, but not limited to,sensors. In some embodiments, the user can have an array of differentremote units, such as but not limited to multiple single-purpose remoteunits, each with a different sensor, so that the wearer can select oneor more desired remote units to connect to the eyewear unit 610 tocustomize the nature of the data to the activity being performed by thewearer. It should be appreciated that the system 600 can be used as astandalone unit without electronic devices with advanced processingcapabilities such as smartphones, PDAs, and tablets. Rather, in someembodiments, such advanced processing capabilities can already beprovided on the eyewear unit 610 and/or modular unit 650.

Embodiments of Input/Output Systems

With reference now to the embodiments of electronic devices or systems700 a, 700 b, 700 c, such as wearable devices or systems. The wearabledevice or system can be a network or communication device or system. Asillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the systems 700 a, 700 b, 700 c can includeI/O systems 710 a, 710 b, 710 c, in the form of portion 712 a, 712 b,712 c, 713 c to allow the user to connect the eyewear units 720 a, 720b, 720 c to modular units 730 a, 730 b, 730 c. As shown in theillustrated embodiments, the ports 712 a, 712 b, 712 c, 713 c can beplaced at various locations of the eyewear thereby providing verticalattachment as shown with port 712 a, anterior-posterior attachment asshown with portion 712 b, lateral attachment as shown in port 712 c, andinternal attachment as shown with port 713 c. The ports 712 a, 712 b,712 c, 713 c can be oriented at any other angle, including between about0 degrees (vertical) and about 360 degrees, between about 0 degrees(vertical) and about 90 degrees (anterior-posterior), about 30 degrees,about 45 degrees (see for example FIGS. 9A-B), and any other range ofdegrees within these ranges. As shown in FIG. 5C, a wire 714 c can beused to facilitate connection with the ports.

Embodiments of Modular Units

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system800, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the system 800 can be designed to obtain, process, and/or conveydata to a user of the system 800 similar to the systems describedherein, such as systems 100, 500, 600, 700 a-c. The system 800 caninclude both an eyewear unit 810 and a modular unit 850 which can beremovably coupled to the eyewear unit 810.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 810 can includea connector 812, such as a USB 3.0 Type-C connector, positioned at anend of a moveable arm 814, and can be configured to communicate usingany of the features or capabilities associated with the protocols forsuch connector or any other suitable connector. The moveable arm 814 canbe moveable relative to the other portions of the eyewear unit 810. Forexample, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the other end of themoveable arm 814 can be pivotally coupled to the remaining portions ofthe eyewear unit 810 such that the moveable arm 814 can rotate relativeto the remaining portions of the eyewear unit 810. In some embodiments,the moveable arm 814 can translate relative to the remaining portions ofthe eyewear unit 810.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 850 can be usedin connection with not only the eyewear unit 810 but also other devices.For example, the modular unit 850 can be used with an audio capable 860for connection to other devices, such as an audio device. As shown inthe illustrated embodiment, both the eyewear unit 810 and the audiocable 860 can connect to the modular unit 850 via a port 854. Themodular unit 850 can include an in-ear or mid-ear speaker 852. In orderto removably couple the modular unit 850 to the eyewear unit 810, themodular unit 850 can include a port 854 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C port.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the port 854 can be used toconnect the modular unit 850 to other devices, such as an audio cable860, to allow the modular unit 850 to be used with other types ofdevices. Accordingly, the speaker 852 of the modular unit 850 can beused as headphones, for example, and can be used with other devices suchas, but not limited to, audio/video players and smartphones.

Any of the modular units described herein can include one or morefunctionalities. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, themodular unit 900 can include an audio signal conversion system and asensor system. The modular unit 900 can include an in-ear or mid-earspeaker 902 and/or a wind speed sensor 904 in the form of a pitot tube,for example. In some embodiments, in order to removably couple themodular unit 900 to an eyewear unit, such as eyewear unit 810, themodular unit 900 can include a port 906 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C port.As another example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the modularunit 1000 can include an in-ear or mid-ear speaker 1002 as well as abiometric sensor 1004 in the form of a biometric tape placed on a panel1006. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 1000 caninclude a moveable arm 1007. In some embodiments, in order to removablycouple the modular unit 1000 to an eyewear unit, such as eyewear unit810, the modular unit 1000 can include a port 1008 such as a USB 3.0Type-C port.

Any of the modular units described herein can include multiple portsand/or connectors. For example, in some embodiments, the modular unitcan include a first port and/or connector attached to an eyewear unitand a second port and/or connector attached to another modular unit.This can provide additional advantages for a user by allowing an evengreater degree of customizability of the eyewear system. Suchcustomization can include the ability to use particular modular units toobtain a fit which is best suited for the wearer. For example, referenceis made to the embodiment of the electronic device or system 1100, suchas a wearable device or system. The wearable device or system can be anetwork or communication device or system As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-B,the system 1100 can include an eyewear unit 1110, a modular unit 1150 inthe form of a boom, and a second modular unit 1160 in the form of anearbud. This can advantageously allow a greater range ofinterchangeability. For example, by providing a modular unit 1150 in theform of a boom, a user of the device can interchange the modular unit1150 to better fit the user's preference, such as a different shape ormaterial, so that the modular unit 1160 can be more comfortablypositioned with respect to the user.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the boom 1150 includes body1152. In some embodiments, the body 1152 can be formed from a resilientor flexible material. The resilient or flexible material can besufficiently rigid such that it maintains a deformed shape afterdeformation. This can allow the shape of the body 1152 to be altered bythe user to attain a better fit. In some embodiments, the resilient orflexible material can be designed to return to its prior shape aftersome degree of deformation.

In some embodiments, modular units 1150, 1160 can incorporate any of thesystems and components described herein such as processing system 220,signal conversion system 230, sensor system 240 (ambient orenvironmental, motion, biometric, and/or physiological), input/output(I/O) system 250, user interface system 260, and/or power system 270.For example, in some embodiments, modular unit 1150 can include aninput/output system. This input/output system can be used, in someembodiments, to provide communication between the eyewear unit 1110 andthe modular unit 1160. In this manner, the eyewear unit 1100 can receivecommunications from one or both of the modular units 1150, 1160, themodular unit 1150 can receive communications from one or both of theeyewear unit 1100 and modular unit 1160, and/or the modular unit 1160can receive communications from one or both of the eyewear unit 1100 andthe modular unit 1150. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the body1152 has a connector 1154 at one end for attachment to a port 1112 ofthe eyewear unit 1110 and a port 1156 at a second end for receiving aconnector 1162 of the modular unit 1160. In some embodiments, modularunit 1150 can include a processing system and/or sensor system similarto those described herein. For example, the modular unit 1150 caninclude a heart rate sensor and an accelerometer.

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system1200, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIG. 10, in some embodiments, the modular unit 1250 can form at least aportion of the eyewear unit 1210 for supporting the eyewear unit 1210 ona user. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 1210can include a partial earstem 1212 having one or more connectors 1214,1216 onto which the modular unit 1250 can be connected. As shown in theillustrated embodiment, the modular unit 1250 can form a posteriorportion of the earstem and can include an earstem portion 1252 with anintegrated boom 1254. In some embodiments, the earstem portion 1252and/or the integrated boom 1254 can be formed from a resilient orflexible material. The resilient or flexible material can besufficiently rigid such that it maintains a deformed shape afterdeformation. This can allow the shape of the earstem portion 1252 and/orintegrated boom 1254 to be altered by the user to attain a better fit.In some embodiments, the resilient or flexible material can be designedto return to its prior shape after some degree of deformation. As shownin the illustrated embodiment, another modular unit 1256, such as anearbud, can be removably attached to the integrated boom 1254. In someembodiments, modular units 1250, 1256 can incorporate any of the systemsand components described herein such as processing system 220, signalconversion system 230, sensor system 240 (ambient or environmental,motion, biometric, and/or physiological), input/output (I/O) system 250,user interface system 260, and/or power system 270. In some embodiments,electronics can be contained within the earstem portion 1252 and/or theboom 1254.

While the modular unit 1250 incorporates an earstem portion 1252 and anintegrated boom 1254, in some embodiments the boom 1254 can be separatefrom the earstem portion 1252. This can advantageously allow for agreater degree of modularity of components of the system 1200. Forexample, the boom 1254 can be removably attachable to the earstemportion 1252 and/or the eyewear unit 1210. In some embodiments, thesecond modular unit 1256 can be integrated with the boom 1254 and/or theearstem portion 1252. In some embodiments, different modular units caninclude different shapes of earstems allowing a user to choose a modularunit which can provide a more comfortable fit. While the illustratedsystem 1200 includes a modular unit 1250 which forms a posterior portionof an earstem, the modular unit 1250 can be designed such that it formsany other portion of the earstem including the anterior portion, amiddle portion, and/or the entirety of the earstem.

In some embodiments, the modular unit can form other portions of aneyewear. For example, the modular unit can be designed such that itfunctions as a nosepiece for the eyewear. In some embodiments, themodular unit can be designed such that it functions as a portion of theface of the eyewear such as a portion of the orbitals, the brow, anearsock, and/or a decorative element such as an icon.

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system1300, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the system 1300 can include an eyewear unit 1310 and a modularunit 1350. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 1310can include a port 1312 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C port for receiving acorresponding connector 1352 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C connector of themodular unit 1350. Other types of ports 1312 and/or connectors 1352 canbe used, such as those described herein. The eyewear unit 1310 caninclude one or more couplings 1314, such as protrusions, to receive oneor more couplings 1354, such as complementary protrusions, of themodular unit 1350. These couplings 1314, 1354 can provide a more secureconnection between the eyewear unit 1310 and the modular unit 1350 andcan reduce the stress applied to the port 1312 and connector 1352. Insome embodiments, couplings 1314, 1354 may be snap-fit mechanicalcouplings. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 1350can include a boom 1356, which includes one or more movable arms, toallow a user to properly position a portion of the modular unit 1350,such as the speaker 1358, with respect to the user. For example, in someembodiments the movable arms can be articulating arms which include oneor more movable joints. In some embodiments, one or more components ofthe processing system 220, the signal conversion system 230, the sensorsystem 240, the input/output system 250, the user interface system 260,the power system 270, and/or any other components can be positionedwithin the movable arms of the boom 1356 of the modular unit 1350 or anyother portion of the modular unit 1350. In some embodiments, two or moreports and/or two or more connectors can be used. For example, in someembodiments, a first port and connector can be used for powertransmission between the eyewear unit 1310 and the modular unit 1350,and a second port and connector can be used for data transmissionbetween the eyewear unit 1310 and the modular unit 1350. In someembodiments, port 1312 and connector 1352 can be used for datatransmission and couplings 1314, 1354 can be replaced with a port andconnector for power transmission. In some embodiments, two or morecouplings can be used.

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system1400, such as a wearable device or system. The wearable device or systemcan be a network or communication device or system. As illustrated inFIG. 13, the system 1400 can include an eyewear unit 1410 and a modularunit 1450. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the eyewear unit 1410can include a port 1412 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C port for receiving acorresponding connector 1452 such as a USB 3.0 Type-C connector of themodular unit 1450. The eyewear unit 1410 can include one or morecouplings 1414, such as protrusions, to receive one or more couplings1454, such as complementary protrusions, of the modular unit 1450. Insome embodiments, couplings 1414, 1454 may be snap-fit mechanicalcouplings. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the modular unit 1450can include two or more components 1458, 1460 attached via a link 1456.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the link 1456 can be semi-rigidor flexible such as a flexible, flat wire. In some embodiments, one ormore components of the processing system 220, the signal conversionsystem 230, the sensor system 240, the input/output system 250, the userinterface system 260, the power system 270, and/or any other componentscan be included with the components, such as component 1458, 1460,and/or link 1456 of the modular unit 1450. For example, the component1460 can include components such as one or more speakers. The component1458 can include components such as one or more connectors 1452. In someembodiments, two or more components, such as components 1458, 1460, canbe separable and can, in some embodiments, allow the components to beused in conjunction with other devices. For example, the component 1460can be detached and used as a speaker for other electronic devices. Insome embodiments, two or more ports and/or two or more connectors can beused. For example, in some embodiments, a first port and connector canbe used for power transmission between the eyewear unit 1410 and themodular unit 1450, and a second port and connector can be used for datatransmission between the eyewear unit 1410 and the modular unit 1450. Insome embodiments, port 1412 and connector 1452 can be used for datatransmission, and couplings 1414, 1454 can be replaced with a port andconnector for power transmission. In some embodiments, two or morecouplings can be used.

As discussed above in connection with FIG. 1, any of the modular unitsdiscussed herein can include one or more components of the processingsystem 220, the signal conversion system 230, the sensor system 240, theinput/output system 250, the user interface system 260, the power system270, and/or any other components. In some embodiments, the modular unitscan include one or more sensors such as those described in connectionwith sensor system 140, including, but not limited to, motions sensorsdesigned to detect and/or measure movement or motion such as anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, a cadence sensor, a speed sensor, apedometer, and/or any other types of sensors, physiological sensorsdesigned to detect and/or measure one or more physiologic parameters ofthe user such as a heart rate sensor, a heart rate sensor, a bloodpressure sensor, a blood sugar sensor, and a blood-oxygen and/or bloodCO2 sensor, sensors for monitoring hydration levels and temperature of auser such as a perspiration sensor, a skin resistivity sensor, ahydration sensor, a dermal moisture sensor, an electrolyte sensor, and abody temperature sensor, and/or any other types of sensors, such as alactic acid sensor and pO2 sensor, and environmental sensors designed todetect and/or measure parameters of the surrounding environment, such asan air temperature sensor, an air humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, analtitude sensor (such as an altimeter), an oxygen sensor, an air qualitysensor, a wind speed sensor (such as a pitot tube), a solar irradiancesensor, a proximity sensor such as a sonar device, a magnetometer, andany other sensor which can detect parameters of the surroundingenvironment. The modular units can include a microphone to determineambient noise and use such information in a noise-reduction orcancellation system. In some embodiments, the noise-reduction orcancellation system can be used in conjunction with a voice commandsystem. This can advantageously increase the effectiveness of the voicecommand system in determining the specific commands given by the wearer.In some embodiments, the modular units can include components, softwareand/or firmware to communicate with the eyewear unit to allow theeyewear unit to determine the type of components included with themodular unit.

Examples of Structural Support for or Packaging of Components

With reference now to the embodiment of the electronic device or system1500 of FIGS. 13A-D, the system 1500 can include an eyewear unit 1510having a frame 1512 on which one or more components can be mountedand/or attached. The one or more components can be any of thosedescribed in connection with any of the embodiments described hereinincluding but not limited to the system 100. For example, the componentscan include any of those components discussed in connection with theprocessing system 120, the signal conversion system 130, the sensorsystem 140, the input/output system 150, the user interface system 160,the power system 170, and/or any other components as desired. Thesecomponents can form part of the eyewear unit 1510, similar to othereyewear units described herein, and can be used in conjunction with oneor more modular units and/or remote units. The components can be mountedand/or attached using any of a variety of techniques including fasteningthe components to the frame 1512 via mechanical fasteners such asscrews, bolts, rivets, clamps, and the like, chemical fasteners such asadhesives and the like, press fits, or can simply be maintained in placevia use of other components of the eyewear unit 1510.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 1512 can include afront face 1514, a left earstem 1516, and a right earstem 1518. In someembodiments, the eyewear includes dual lenses or a unitary lens, anorbital partially or completely surrounding the lenses or lens, and/or arimless or frameless front face (e.g., with the lens or lenses attachedto the earstems without a front frame). In some embodiments, thecomponents can be mounted and/or attached to the front face 1514 (e.g.,frame and/or lens or lenses), the left earstem 1516, and/or the rightearstem 1518. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, oneor more components, such as a first component 1520 and a secondcomponent 1522, can be attached to the left earstem 1516 and one or morecomponents, such as a third component 1524 and a fourth component 1526can be attached to the right earstem 1518. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, components 1522 and/or 1526 can include a port and/orconnector such as those described herein including, but not limited to,a USB 3.0 Type-C port. Components 1520 and/or 1524 can be parts of othersystems described herein including a processing system, a signalconversion system, a sensor system, an input/output system, a userinterface system, and/or a power system. Fewer or greater number ofcomponents can be mounted and/or attached to the frame 1512 and thepositioning of the components relative to each other can be changed. Forexample, in some embodiments, components can be attached and/or mountedto the front face 1514 such as, but not limited to, the nosepieceportion.

The components can be electrically coupled to allow the components tocommunicate with each other. In some embodiments, one or more of thecomponents can be directly coupled electrically. The eyewear unit 1510can include an electrical connector, such as a wire, for directlycoupling two or more components together. The electrical connector canrun along any surface of the eyewear unit 1510 such as, but not limitedto, the top surfaces of the frame 1512. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents can be indirectly coupled electrically. For example, the oneor more components can be coupled via a wireless connection such as, butnot limited to, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart), ANT,ANT+, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, and MMS.

In some embodiments, the first component 1520 can include one or morecomponents such as those used for the processing system 120, the signalconversion system 130, the sensor system 140, the input/output system150, the user interface system 160, and/or the power system 170. Forexample, the first component 1520 can include one or more circuit boardson which a processor 122, memory 124, one or more receivers 154, one ormore transmitters 156 (or transceivers), and/or one or more sensors suchas an accelerometer can be included. The circuit board can be sized tofit within a frame of the eyewear unit 1510.

In some embodiments, the third component 1524 can include a battery orother component from the power system 170. In some embodiments, thebattery can be chosen such that the eyewear unit 1510 can operate forabout four hours. In some embodiments, the battery can be chosen suchthat it can operate for a greater or lesser duration than four hours,including between about 1 hour and about 10 hours, any duration withinthis range, and any other duration as desired. In some embodiments, thebattery can have a relatively compact form factor and be sized to fitwithin a frame of the eyewear unit 1210. In some embodiments, theeyewear unit 1510 can include components to enable wired charging, suchas via USB, and/or wireless charging, such as via inductive charging, ofthe battery.

In some embodiments, the eyewear unit 1510 can include a housing whichcan form at least part of an outer housing for the components and canserve as a mounting structure for a user interface system such as thosedescribed herein.

Movable Antenna

With reference now to the embodiment of the antenna 1600 of FIGS. 14 and15, the antenna 1600 can be attached to a component of an electronicdevice or system including, but not limited to, electronic device orsystems 100, 500, 600, 700 a-c, 800, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500. Asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 1600 can be attached toa portion of an earstem 1602, such as an outer surface of the earstem1602 with a portion of the antenna 1602 extending partially over a topsurface of the earstem 1602. In some embodiments the antenna 1600 can bepositioned and/or attached to any portion of an eyewear unit, such aseyewear units 110, 510, 610, 810, 1100, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510,including, but not limited to, portions of a face or frame such as anosepiece region or nosepad, lateral regions of the face or frame, abrow, and/or orbital regions, portions of an earstem such as an anteriorregion of the earstem, a posterior region of the earstem, a bottomsurface of the earstem, a top surface of the earstem, an outer surfaceof the earstem, and/or an inner surface of the earstem, and/or portionsof a lens such as a periphery of the lens, an anterior surface of thelens, and/or a posterior surface of the lens. In some embodiments, theantenna 1600 can be positioned and/or attached to any portion of amodular unit, such as modular units 210, 550, 650, 730 a, 730 b, 730 c,850, 900, 1000, 1150, 1160, 1250, 1256, 1350, 1450. In some embodiments,the antenna 1600 can be positioned and/or attached to any portion of aremote unit, such as remote units 310, 580, 582, 584, 680, 682, 684.

The antenna 1600 can be movably attached to the earstem 1602 such thatat least a portion of the antenna 1600 can translate and/or rotaterelative to the earstem 1602. For example, in some embodiments, theentirety of the antenna 1600 can translate relative to the earstem 1602or a portion of the antenna 1600 can translate relative to the earstem1602 such as via telescoping. In embodiments where the antenna 1600 isattached to other portions of system, such as other portions of theeyewear unit, the modular unit, and/or the remote unit, the antenna 1600can translate and/or rotate relative to such portions of the system. Theantenna 1600 can be rotated from a first or stowed configuration (notshown) in which the antenna 1600 is positioned closer to the earstem1602 to a second or deployed configuration as shown in which at least aportion of the antenna 1600 is positioned away from the earstem 1602.The first or stowed configuration can beneficially reduce the formfactor of the antenna 1600 and component to which it is attached. Thiscan reduce the likelihood that the antenna 1600 and/or the component towhich it is attached is damaged when being stored. For example, theantenna 1600 can be positioned in the first or stowed configuration suchthat the antenna 1600 is generally flush with the earstem 1602. Thesecond or deployed configuration can beneficially enhance theperformance of the antenna 1600. The antenna 1600 can be configured toreceive one or more electronic signals including, but not limited to,Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart), ANT, ANT+, ZigBee,Wi-Fi, GSM, CDMA, MMS, and/or any other type of signal. In someinstances, signal degradation may occur and/or noise may be generated asa result of positioning the antenna 1600 near a user's head. Such signaldegradation and/or noise may be reduced, or generally eliminated, bypositioning the antenna further from a user's head. This canbeneficially enhance the signal received by electronics. For example,enhanced signals can beneficially increase the accuracy of data providedby a GPS receiver. Such enhanced signals can also be beneficial forreception and/or transmission of other types of signals, such as thoseutilized by Bluetooth and/or WiFi receivers, transmitters, and/ortransceivers.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the antenna 1600 can rotaterelative to the earstem 1602 along a generally vertical orsuperior-inferior axis of rotation when worn by a user along a coupling1604. The length 1606 of the antenna 1600 can be between approximately10 mm to approximately 60 mm, between approximately 15 mm toapproximately 50 mm, between approximately 20 mm to approximately 40 mm,approximately 30 mm, any sub-range within any of these ranges, or anyother length to receive a desired signal. In the deployed configurationthe antenna 1600 can be positioned such that a distance 1608 between atleast a portion of the antenna 1600, such as an end 1601, and a user'shead can be between approximately 5 mm to approximately 55 mm, betweenapproximately 10 mm to approximately 40 mm, between approximately 15 mmto approximately 25 mm, approximately 15 mm, any sub-range with any ofthese ranges, or any other distance to reduce signal degradation and/ornoise based on the received signal. In some embodiments, the distance1608 can be between approximately one-fourth to three-fourths the length1610 of the antenna 1600, between approximately one-third to two-thirdsthe length 1610 of the antenna 1600, approximately one-half the length1610 of the antenna 1600, any sub-range within these ranges, or anyother ratio as desired. In the deployed configuration the antenna 1600can be positioned such that an angle 1610 between the antenna 1600 andthe longitudinal axis of the earstem at that point is betweenapproximately 10 degrees to approximately 90 degrees, betweenapproximately 25 degrees to approximately 75 degrees, betweenapproximately 40 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, approximately 45degrees, any sub-range within these ranges, or any other angle asdesired.

While the coupling 1604 as shown allows rotation along a generallyvertical or superior-inferior axis of rotation, in some embodiments thecoupling 1604 can allow for rotation along one or more other axesincluding but not limited as a horizontal axis including such as alongitudinal axis of the earstem 1602. In some embodiments, the coupling1604 can be a pin hinge, a “scissor door” hinge, a single shear hinge, adouble shear hinge, a spherical hinge, a ball-and-socket hinge, afloating hinge, a scissor hinge, any other hinge or coupling which canallow for one or more translational and/or rotational degrees offreedom, and/or a combination of hinges. The antenna 1600 can includeone or more segments with one or more hinges such as those describedabove. The antenna 1600 can include one or more segments which allow theantenna 1600 to extend from a first length to a second length. Forexample, the antenna 1600 can be telescoping.

In some embodiments, transitioning of the antenna 1600 from a firstconfiguration, such as the stowed configuration, to a secondconfiguration, such as the deployed configuration, and/or from thesecond configuration to the first configuration can be performedmanually by the user. In some embodiments, transitioning of the antenna1600 from a first configuration to a second configuration and/or from asecond configuration to a first configuration can be performedautomatically. For example, the system on which the antenna 1600 is usedcan detect when the system is being worn by a user and/or when theantenna 1600 is in use. In systems which include an eyewear unit, theeyewear unit can include a proximity sensor and/or a strain sensor todetect when the eyewear unit is being worn by a user. Upon detectingthat the system is being worn and/or that the antenna 1600 is in use,electromechanical components such as a solenoid or motor can transitionthe antenna 1600 from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration. Upon detecting that the system is no longer being wornand/or that the antenna 1600 is no longer in use, electromechanicalcomponents can transition the antenna 1600 from the second configurationto the first configuration.

In some embodiments, the antenna 1600 can be stowed within an interiorvolume of a component of the system. For example, the antenna can bepositioned within a front face or frame of an eyewear unit. In the firstor stowed configuration, the antenna can be positioned within aninterior volume of the front face or frame. In the second or deployedconfiguration, the antenna can be positioned exteriorly of the frontface or frame, with the antenna extending anteriorly relative to thefront face or frame. The antenna can extend generally longitudinally viatelescoping action. In some embodiments, the antenna can be positionedbehind a door in the stowed position such that the antenna is generallyhidden when in the stowed position. The door can be rotated and/ortranslated towards an open position when the antenna is in the second ordeployed configuration. While described in connection with the frontface or frame, the antenna can be stowed within an interior volume anyportion of an eyewear unit, modular unit, and/or remote unit asdescribed above.

In some embodiments, the antenna can be stationary. In some embodiments,the antenna can be positioned radially or laterally outward of thecomponent to which the antenna is attached. For example, the antenna canbe positioned such that the distance between the antenna and thecomponent to which it is attached is approximately the distance of anosebridge region of an eyewear or a distance between two orbitals.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are tobe understood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performedsimultaneously or in an order different from the steps as orderedherein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes ofthe specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in differentways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scopeof the present disclosure.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, whileother embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/orsteps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended toimply that such features, elements and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. Thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to anitem includes reference to one or more of such items. The term “ones”refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection ofsome or all of a quantity. The term “about,” “approximately,” or“similar” means that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations,parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, but maybe approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflectingacceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurementerror and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art.The term “substantially” means that the recited characteristic,parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations orvariations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error,measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those ofskill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effectthe characteristic was intended to provide.

A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience.However, these lists should be construed as though each member of thelist is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus,no individual member of such list should be construed as a de factoequivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on theirpresentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction witha list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one ormore of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with otherlisted items. The term “alternatively” refers to selection of one of twoor more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to onlythose listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at atime, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The following is claimed:
 1. A wearable electronic system comprising: aneyewear unit configured to be worn on a user's head, the eyewear unitcomprising an input/output system including at least one wiredconnection, the eyewear unit further comprising one or more movableantennas, wherein at least one of the one or more movable antennas isconfigured to automatically transition from a first, stowedconfiguration to a second, deployed configuration when the wearableelectronic system detects that the at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is in use or that the wearable electronic system isbeing worn on the user's head, wherein at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is located on an earstem of the eyewear unit, andwherein at least one of the one or more movable antennas is rotatablerelative to a component to which the antenna is attached; a modular unitcomprising an input/output system including at least one wiredconnection configured to removably couple to the at least one wiredconnection of the eyewear unit, and at least one wireless systemcomprising at least one of the following components: a receiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit; atransmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least oneremote unit; and a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate withthe at least one remote unit; wherein the input/output systems of theeyewear unit and the modular unit are configured to provide a wiredelectrical connection between the eyewear unit and the modular unit whenin a coupled configuration via the at least one wired connection of theeyewear unit and the at least one wired connection of the modular unit,and wherein the wired connections are at least one of a port andconnector.
 2. The wearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one remote unit comprises an audio component, wherein the audiocomponent is an in-ear speaker or an outwardly facing speaker, andwherein the at least one remote unit is an external speaker.
 3. Thewearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein the at least one remoteunit comprises a smart phone.
 4. The wearable electronic system of claim1, wherein the modular unit comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is anambient or biometric sensor.
 5. The wearable electronic system of claim1, wherein the eyewear unit further comprises at least one of thefollowing components: a processor; a memory; a sensor; a receiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one remote unit;a transmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least oneremote unit; and a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate withthe at least one remote unit.
 6. The wearable electronic system of claim1, wherein the input/output system of the modular unit comprises a firstwired connection and a second wired connection, where at least one ofthe first and second wired connections are configured to removablycouple a second modular unit to the modular unit and to providecommunication between the eyewear unit and the second modular unit. 7.The wearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein the eyewear unitcomprises a power source configured to power the modular unit via thewired connections of the eyewear unit and the modular unit.
 8. Thewearable electronic system of claim 7, wherein the eyewear unit does notinclude a processor, a memory, a sensor, a receiver configured towirelessly communicate with the at least one remote unit, a transmitterconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one remote unit,or a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with the at leastone remote unit.
 9. The wearable electronic system of claim 1, whereinat least one of the modular unit and the eyewear unit further comprisesa visual component configured to display an image to the user.
 10. Thewearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein the modular unitcomprises an audio component configured to generate an audible signalperceptible by the user.
 11. The wearable electronic system of claim 1,wherein the eyewear unit further comprises a haptic component configuredto generate a tactile signal perceptible by the user, wherein theeyewear unit comprises a sensor, and wherein the haptic component isconfigured to provide the user with a tactile representation of datareceived from the sensor.
 12. The wearable electronic system of claim 1,wherein the modular unit is configured to be attached to the eyewearunit proximate the user's head.
 13. The wearable electronic system ofclaim 1, wherein the modular unit is configured to communicate with afirst remote unit using a first wireless protocol, and the modular unitis configured to communicate with a second remote unit using a secondwireless protocol, different from the first wireless protocol.
 14. Thewearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein in the deployedconfiguration, at least one of the one or more movable antennas can bepositioned such that a distance between a user and the antenna isbetween one-third to two-thirds a length of the antenna.
 15. Thewearable electronic system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the oneor more movable antennas is configured to automatically transition fromthe first configuration to the second configuration when the wearableelectronic system detects that the at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is in use.
 16. A wearable electronic system comprising:an eyewear unit configured to be worn on a user's head, the eyewear unitcomprising an input/output system including at least one wiredconnection, the eyewear unit further comprising one or more movableantennas, wherein at least one of the one or more movable antennas isconfigured to automatically transition from a first, stowedconfiguration to a second, deployed configuration when the wearableelectronic system detects that the at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is in use or that the wearable electronic system isbeing worn on the user's head, wherein at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is located on an earstem of the eyewear unit, andwherein at least one of the one or more movable antennas is rotatablerelative to a component to which the antenna is attached; a modular unitcomprising an input/output system including at least one wiredconnection configured to removably couple to the at least one wiredconnection of the eyewear unit, and at least one wireless systemcomprising at least one of the following components: a receiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote unit; atransmitter configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least oneremote unit; and a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate withthe at least one remote unit; wherein the at least one wired connectionof the eyewear unit and the at least one wired connection of the modularunit are configured to provide a wired electrical connection between theeyewear unit and the modular unit when in a coupled configuration;wherein the input/output systems of the eyewear unit and the modularunit are configured to provide communication between the eyewear unitand the modular unit via the coupled wired connections of the eyewearunit and the modular unit, and wherein the wired connections are atleast one of a port and connector.
 17. The wearable electronic system ofclaim 16, wherein each of the eyewear unit and the modular unit furthercomprises at least one of the following components: a processor; amemory; a sensor; a receiver configured to wirelessly communicate withthe at least one remote unit; and a transmitter configured to wirelesslycommunicate with the at least one remote unit.
 18. The wearableelectronic system of claim 17, wherein: the eyewear unit comprises theprocessor, and the modular unit comprises the receiver and thetransmitter and is configured to serve as a node for wirelesscommunication with multiple remote units.
 19. The wearable electronicsystem according to claim 17, wherein: the modular unit comprises asensor, and the eyewear unit comprises the receiver and the transmitterand is configured to serve as a node for wireless communication withmultiple remote units.
 20. The wearable electronic system of claim 1,wherein the modular unit is carried by the eyewear unit when the atleast one wired connection of the modular unit is coupled to the atleast one wired connection of the eyewear unit.
 21. The wearableelectronic system of claim 16, wherein the modular unit is carried bythe eyewear unit when in the coupled configuration.
 22. The wearableelectronic system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or moremovable antennas is configured to automatically transition from thefirst configuration to the second configuration when the wearableelectronic system detects that the wearable electronic system is beingworn on the user's head.
 23. The wearable electronic system of claim 16,wherein at least one of the one or more movable antennas is configuredto automatically transition from the first configuration to the secondconfiguration when the wearable electronic system detects that the atleast one of the one or more movable antennas is in use.
 24. Thewearable electronic system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the oneor more movable antennas is configured to automatically transition fromthe first configuration to the second configuration when the wearableelectronic system detects that the wearable electronic system is beingworn on the user's head.